Pal, most amplifiers, whether they are tube or transistor, will work fine with the Caravelles, as long as there is enough power for the 89db sensitivity of the Caravelles.
I'm sure that most audiophile amplifiers over 40 watts would do the job(at least as a "minumim"). We have been using our prototype Harmonic Precision HP-110 amplifiers on the show circuit, which are 100wpc solid state monoblocks.
Thus, I suspect that a very high quality 100wpc amplifier from other companies may be quite satisfactory in this application.
The impedance curve on the Caravelles is very flat(non reactive) and will be a very easy load on any amplifier at 7 ohms nominal, with very very little variation in impedance over the band. This characteristic would make them an excellent match with many tube amps, as well.
As any excellent speaker should do, the Caravelles will play what goes into them, from any amp you choose. Make your amp(and the rest of the signal chain) high-quality, and you'll receive the benefits of the speakers.
Speaking on a personal note here, as a Berning amp owner myself(Berning 45 SET-ZOTL), I'd love to hear what a Berning ZH-270 would sound like with the Caravelles. I'll bet that would be an unbelieveable combination.
Another possibility might be one of these new "ICE module" digital amps, or tri-path amps which are gaining alot of sonic acclaim these days. They can be affordable, too. There are alot of very good amps out there, and I don't mean to really single any out, but just mentioned some things that seem to be "all the buzz" right now. Just remember that the amp is a very important part of the signal chain, so pick a nice one. Your Caravelles deserve it.
Tom Lyons
Starsound Technologies
